Contemporary jazz pianist David Benoit’s career path was forged at age 10 when he fell in love with Vince Guaraldi’s music on the 1965 TV show A Charlie Brown Christmas. This disc is the five-time Grammy nominee’s tribute to that classic score, which he says "captured a spirit; it's just genius." The Wynton Marsalis Septet's virtuoso performance of "The Buggy Ride," the Dave Brubeck Quartet's peppy version of "Benjamin," and the Guaraldi Trio's "Linus and Lucy" round out the collection.

“The results are engaging. A charming trio arrangement of 'Be My Valentine' is a prime example. [On] 'The Great Pumpkin Waltz,' another Guaraldi-penned treat … the addition of guitar to the cozy Benoit ensemble sound makes for a nice touch. Then again, the same could be said for the presence of trumpeter Christian Scott on the album's opening cut, Guaraldi's 'You're in Love, Charlie Brown'."—Washington Post